It's been one of the warmest Septembers on record but the 50,000 taking part in tomorrow's Great North Run are hoping the weather will be slightly more forgiving.

Light showers and breezes are predicted for the world-famous half-marathon, which was a punishing experience for many last year as the sun came out and temperatures reached an unseasonably high 19C.

The weather will remain warm although the Met Office is predicting a damper outlook which should make getting around the course slightly easier. But organisers Nova International is still warning competitors to take sensible precautions.

A Met Office spokesman said: "This year it looks as if Sunday will start fairly wet. There is going to be some rain around for the start of the race.

"There will be some rain around in the morning. That should clear around afternoon. Temperatures for the race are likely to be in the lower to mid-teens, about 15 to 16C."

As well as the hot weather, last year's race was also marred by the deaths of four runners.

Phil Lewis, 52, of County Durham, David Mahaffey, 43, of York, Kieron Patching, 34, of Kent, and Reuben Wilson, 28, of Leeds, all died on the course.

Gateshead and South Tyneside coroner Terence Carney later decided no one was to blame for the deaths and recorded a verdict of misadventure.

But Nova International communications director David Hart said lessons had been learned from the tragedy and the inquest which followed.

He explained: "No two Great North Runs are the same. We review in great detail every single run and have done for the last 25 years.

"This year is no exception. The event is under constant scrutiny, more than ever before.

"We are very proud that no criticism was attributed to the organisation of the event but there were comments which we have taken on board. We do every year to ensure the best experience for the public."

The changes for this year begin at the start line, with participants handed different coloured race numbers to indicate where they will be positioned before the start line.

"Human nature dictates most people try and squeeze as close as possible to the front. We are ensuring a more even flow of runners over the start which means they are spread more evenly over the course," said Mr Hart.

Nova provided more water than ever before for last year's event and tomorrow another course record of 300,000 bottles of water will be on hand for runners.

An extra water station has also been put in place and two isotonic drink stations.

An army of 500 trained medical staff patrolled the course last year. This time they will be supplemented by nine golf buggies loaded with medical equipment and paramedics on mountain bikes. Roving GPs are also going to be dotted around the course to offer help.

Nova is also warning all participants to be aware of their own limitations and avoid putting themselves at risk.

Mr Hart said: "We, as an organisation, take responsibility for the event and the facilities provided but ultimately it has to be down to the individual who is taking part in the Great North Run to ensure they are prepared for a significant distance."